THE PLACE OF THE SUPREME COURT IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM OF UKRAINE

Abstract

Тhe article examines the place of the Supreme Court in the judicial system of Ukraine as the highest court, which completes the instance structure of the national judicial system and ensures the unity of judicial practice. Attention is focused on the constitutional and legal status of the Supreme Court, its role in the administration of justice, the review of court decisions in cassation proceedings and the formation of mandatory guidelines for the uniform application of legal norms by lower courts. It is emphasized that the Supreme Court is not a body of administrative management of courts, but performs primarily a jurisdictional function aimed at protecting human rights and freedoms, establishing the principle of the rule of law and ensuring legal certainty. The significance of its legal positions for the stability of judicial practice, the predictability of judicial decisions and increasing public confidence in justice is revealed. Special attention is paid to the structure of the Supreme Court, which includes: the Grand Chamber, which decides on the issue of departure from previously formed conclusions and ensures consistency of practice between jurisdictions, and the courts of cassation (Administrative Court of Cassation; Economic Court of Cassation; Criminal Court of Cassation; Civil Court of Cassation). The relationship of the Supreme Court with local and appellate courts is analyzed, as well as its importance for correcting judicial errors, developing legal standards and bringing Ukrainian justice closer to European approaches. It is concluded that the place of the Supreme Court in the judicial system of Ukraine is determined not only by its highest procedural level, but also by the special mission of the guarantor of the unity, consistency and authority of the judiciary. The effectiveness of its activities directly affects the quality of law enforcement, access to a fair trial, the realization of the right to effective judicial protection and the development of a democratic legal state in Ukraine, in particular in the context of modern reform of the judicial system.